A reading comprehension strategy to use when a story is followed by questions. This strategy is extremely helpful for nonfiction reading.

S – Survey/Scan (make a prediction)

Q- Are there any questions that you will need to answer?

R- Read (visualize, ask yourself questions, connect)

R - Recite (self-talk)

R - Clarify (to understand) and Evaluate (to develop an opinion) Always Look Back to Check

A strategy to use when answering open ended questions and persuasive essays.

R – Restate the question.

A – Answer the question ….using…

R – Reasons…and….

E - Elaborations (more than an explanation)

Graphic organizers are helpful to use as a strategy to gather ideas during the first few minutes of a writing task. Using the 5W’s and How will help the writer stay on topic and avoid “brain freeze” during a timed speculative writing prompt.

• What is the ROLE of the writer?

• Who is the AUDIENCE?

• What FORMAT will you use to

• respond/write? (essay,letter, a speech…)

• What is your TOPIC?

• Don’t forget the strong verbs and salsa words! SPICE up your writing!

Don’t forget to use a rubric when writing any task. A 4 point rubric will be used for open ended responses and journal questions. A 6 point NJ Holistic Rubric will be used for all other tasks. The Six Plus One Writing Traits help us be the best writers we can be, no matter what your grade level!

DO IT, REVIEW IT, and BRING IT IN! Parents…Please check the planners. If you spot a problem, contact us by calling the office, or through email.

Getting Organized!! Please help your students at home to continue keeping their work in order.

All papers have a home . Please have your child put each paper where it belongs. There should not be any loose papers at the bottom of a locker or bookbag. Each paper should be placed in a specified folder for easy finding. Every class should have its own folder.

Remind your child to date all work. This makes it easier for you and your child to know what is current and what may be kept at home.

Keep old papers in a separate folder at home. Their folders get crowded and unable to easily find papers that are due presently. This way, your student can review past work at home without losing what may be due today.

Label right side of folder Homework and left side of folder Classwork. Remind your child to place all homework on the right side of folders and classwork on the left side. This will help you at home determine what needs to be completed at home. Reference their planner for a list of homework. Check off in the planner when homework is completed and placed back into the appropriate folder.

These are just a few ways to help your child stay organized and become a successful middle school student!

Organizational Information for upcoming 6th graders

Please check out the Power Point and hand outs to help prepare your child for Middle School. Power Point on Organizational Skills